Patent GB-189710672-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Type Writing Machines.
Inventor: ANDERSON GEORGE KERR
Filed: 1897-04-29
Granted: 1898-04-23
Abstract: 10,672. Anderson, G. K. April 29. Type-writers.-Relates to machines, more particularly adapted for shorthand work, in which ordinary characters are printed transversely on a continuous strip of paper. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the machine, Fig. 3 a section on the line 3-3, Fig. 1, and Fig. 7 the type segments or frames. The key bars B are pivoted at b in a curved slotted segment A<3> of the frame A, and their inner ends extend under the type-segments E, E', E' so that, when any key bar is operated, it impresses the paper against the type above it. The outer ends of the key bars B are provided with key pieces C in position, as shown in Fig. 1, for operation by the thumb and three fingers of each hand, two keys being operated by each thumb and finger. When these keys are depressed (without operating a shift-key) any one or more of the letters in the first longitudinal row of characters on the type frames, the upper row in Fig. 7, are printed. The shift-keys, which bring the other rows of characters into printing position, are operated, B' and B<4>, by the outer portion of the palms of the hands, and B<2> and B<3> by the little fingers. The shift keys are straight and pivoted at a higher level than the keys B in raised parts A<4> of the frame. The type frames E, E<2> are pivoted on sleeves D<4> on a shaft D, and are returned to normal position against a stop rod f by springs. The central frame E<1> is fixed to the shaft D and is returned to position by a spring. The inner ends of the shift keys B<1>, B<2> engage an arm projecting from the type frame E, and their movement is so arranged that the operation of B<2> alone brings the second line of characters on E into position, the operation of B<1> alone the third row, and the operation of B' and B<2> together the fourth row. The operation of B<3> brings the second row on the centre frame E' into position, and B<4> the second row on the right-hand frame E<2>. The third rows (numerals) on E<1> and E<2> are brought into position by the operation of an arm D<3> on the shaft D. A space is left between the second and third rows of characters on the frame E<1>, and when the latter is moved by its shaft D and key arm D<3>, an arm on the shaft engages and moves the frame E' also. Means for assisting the stopping of the frames is provided. The index characters on the keys C are placed on the sides as shown to indicate which key of each pair, operated by a finger or thumb, prints on the left and which on the right when both keys are operated. The strip of paper J' passes from a reel, journalled on the horizontal arm of a supporting-bracket a, under a feeding-frame H<1>, and up through a gripping-device d, C<2>. The feeding - frame is pivoted at i and its rear cross-bar H<1> rests on the ends of the key bars B so that it is lifted to feed the paper at each operation of a key or keys. The paper passes up between the rear bar H<1> and a roller i<4> pivoted in the frame, and when the frame rises the paper, gripped between it and the key bars, is pushed up between the fixed bar d and the pivoted bar C<2> of the gripping- device. The latter prevents the return of the paper so that, when H<1> descends, a fresh portion is drawn off the reel for the next line of print. The ink ribbon H is on spools F, G and passes under the type frames. Either of the spools may be driven by an elastic band a' from the shaft of the paper reel. The letters in the longitudinal lines in the different type frames are arranged in the order in which they usually occur in spelling words, so that a word may usually be printed by one simultaneous operation of the required keys.